Anti-coup groups claim Myanmar military is using prohibited weapons | Conflict News

A recent drone attack by the Myanmar military in northern Kachin State has raised concerns about the possible use of banned chemical weapons. The attack seriously injured three Kachin resistance fighters, with one eventually succumbing to rapid onset necrosis, a condition not typically seen in blast wounds. Doctors treating the fighters suspect the presence of toxic substances causing the rapid deterioration of the soldiers. Under international law, the production, storage, and use of chemical weapons are prohibited, with Myanmar ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2015. However, the country is not among the 126 states that have ratified the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which seeks to limit or ban weapons causing unnecessary suffering or affecting civilians indiscriminately. The Myanmar military, accused of using banned weapons in the past, has faced further allegations of using chemical weapons by various ethnic armed groups across the country. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar is investigating these claims, which have not been confirmed by the military. The National Unity Government, comprised of lawmakers ousted by the military, is also looking into these allegations. Amid escalating battles in various regions, including the temporary liberation of a key town by the Karen National Liberation Army, civilians are suffering the consequences of air strikes. The use of incendiary weapons, which can cause intense burning and respiratory injuries, has been reported by various resistance groups. Human rights experts stress the importance of investigating these claims to determine if there have been any violations of international law.

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